PGA Tour: Genesis Scottish Open & ISCO Championship
With The Open Championship just a week away, the golf world is buzzing with anticipation — and this week’s schedule delivers a perfect prelude. The PGA Tour and DP World Tour are jointly hosting two co-sanctioned events: the Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick, Scotland, and the ISCO Championship in Kentucky, USA. Both tournaments offer valuable FedEx Cup and Race to Dubai points, along with a crucial chance for players to fine-tune their games or secure a last-minute entry into next week’s major at Royal Troon.
PGA Tour: Genesis Scottish Open – Round 1 Recap
In a strong international tournament, four players share the lead after Round 1 — and they all hail from different countries. The United States is represented by Jake Knapp, while Frenchman Victor Perez joins the party. Nico Echavarria kept the Colombian flag flying high, and Austrian Sepp Straka showed he knows how to handle links-style golf. Each of them carded impressive 6-under-par 64s.
One stroke behind are four Europeans: Marcel Siem, Calum Hill, Matti Schmid, and Marco Penge. Another group, including Americans Wyndham Clark and Keith Mitchell, trails by two strokes at 4-under.
At 3-under, we find many notable names, including Scottie Scheffler, while Rory McIlroy opened with a steady -2. In total, 67 players broke par on Day 1. U.S. Open winner J.J. Spaun struggled to get into rhythm but salvaged an even-par round after a couple of birdies coming home.
Last week’s winner, Brian Campbell, couldn’t keep the momentum going, carding a 5-over 75. Young South African Aldrich Potgieter appeared more comfortable in the conditions. The Højgaard twins had contrasting fortunes — Rasmus slumped to a +4 (74), while Nicolai put together a composed -2 round.
View the full Round 1 leaderboard on the PGA Tour website
PGA Tour: ISCO Championship – Round 1 Recap
Meanwhile, on the other side of the pond at the ISCO Championship, Chan Kim of the USA played out of his shoes, posting a scintillating 9-under-par 61 to take a commanding four-shot lead on Day 1. His round featured seven birdies and an eagle, and he hit all greens in regulation. In the “Approach to Green” stat, Kim ranked No. 1, gaining an astounding 6.701 strokes in that category.
Three players share second place at 5-under-par 65: Callum Shinkwin of the DP World Tour — who made the most of this co-sanctioned event with a bogey-free round — and PGA Tour pros Thomas Rosenmueller and Peter Malnati, both looking to climb from low FedEx Cup positions (185 and 190 respectively).
Emiliano Grillo, last week’s runner-up, started with a solid 67 and sits at T10. Beau Hossler and Cameron Champ also opened with 3-under rounds, joining a group of 8 others.
It was a rough outing for Kevin Roy, who carded a 78 (+8) after a disastrous start that included a double bogey on the first hole. Another pre-tournament favorite, Mark Hubbard, struggled to find rhythm, posting a 71 (+1) with four birdies, three bogeys, and a double. Currently at T68, he faces a fight to survive the cut.
Michael Thorbjornsen opened with a solid 69 (-1) and sits at T37 heading into Friday.
View the full Round 1 leaderboard on the PGA Tour website
Video Highlights of Genesis Scottish Open
Video Highlights of ICSO Championship
Friday Stakes: Moving Day or Moving Out?
As the tournaments head into Friday’s critical Round 2, all eyes will be on the cut line. It’s bound to be a nervy day for those hovering near the projected cut, with every shot potentially making the difference between playing the weekend or heading home early. At the same time, the leaders will look to solidify their positions and build momentum as both events approach the halfway mark. Expect pressure, drama, and some movement on both ends of the leaderboard.
